The complete guide to cloud PBX.
What a cloud PBX is, how it differs from the alternatives, and why UK businesses are moving to it.
What is a cloud PBX?
A PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is the system that manages calls within a business — routing them, holding them in queues, offering menus and connecting internal extensions. A cloud PBX does all of this from secure data centres rather than a box on your premises, with calls carried over your internet connection.
The result is a full-featured phone system with no on-site hardware to buy, maintain or replace, managed entirely through a web portal.
Cloud PBX vs traditional and on-premise PBX
A traditional or on-premise PBX is physical hardware you own, maintain and eventually replace, tied to ISDN lines that are being switched off. A cloud PBX removes all of that: no capital outlay, no maintenance visits, instant changes and updates included.
Against self-hosted software like 3CX, the difference is management — with 3CX you host and patch it yourself; with our cloud PBX, we run and support the whole thing for you.
Cloud PBX vs hosted VoIP
These terms overlap. Hosted VoIP describes the internet calling; cloud PBX describes the call-management intelligence. In practice they’re delivered together as one service — so you don’t need to choose between them.
Cloud PBX for multi-site businesses
If you operate from more than one location, a cloud PBX ties them together under one number plan. Calls between sites are internal and free, staff keep the same extensions wherever they work, and opening a new site just means adding users — no new phone infrastructure required.
Cloud PBX and the PSTN switch-off
Because a cloud PBX already runs over the internet, it’s the natural replacement for systems that depend on the PSTN and ISDN lines being retired by 2027. Moving now both future-proofs you and usually reduces your monthly cost.
How much does a cloud PBX cost?
Cloud PBX is priced per user per month, often from around £5, with no large upfront cost. You scale users up and down on demand, and there’s no separate maintenance contract or line rental.
Frequently asked questions
Is cloud PBX the same as hosted VoIP?
They’re two sides of one service — we deliver both together as a complete phone system.
Do I need any hardware?
No on-site PBX — just handsets, computers or mobiles, whichever suits you.
Can it handle multiple sites?
Yes — one number plan across all locations with free internal calls.
Is it switch-off ready?
Yes — it already runs over the internet, so it’s unaffected by the 2027 PSTN retirement.
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